Patrick Orvil Ball Sr.(Grandpa)

Patrick Orvil Ball January 23, 1931 – November 3, 2025

Patrick Orvil Ball, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and man of steadfast faith, passed away peacefully at the age of 94, surrounded by family. Born on January 23, 1931, in Cokeville, Wyoming, Patrick was one of ten children born to Bryan and Emma Ball. He shared a special bond with his twin sister, Patricia (Sister Mary Bernette), and grew up alongside Charles Ball, Bernie Ball, Jim Ball, Mary Skirko, Della Dodge, Rose Maloney, Irene Prata, and Millie Duke.

Patrick was raised in Montana, where his family worked the land as ranchers and sheep herders. Life in the rugged Montana countryside taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and family - a foundation that carried him through every season of his life.

Leaving school early, Patrick enlisted in the United States military and served honorably during the Korean War as the conflict drew to a close. While he was stationed overseas, his family relocated to Mesa, Idaho, where the open country and strong community would eventually draw him home.

During his service, Patrick began receiving letters from a young woman named Martha Dingley, who wrote to him at the encouragement of her sister, Margaret. What began as a kind gesture soon became a cherished correspondence that grew into love. When Patrick returned from Korea, he met Martha in person, and together they began a 68-year marriage rooted in devotion, laughter, and faith. Their union was blessed with 14 children and a lifetime of shared work and dreams.

Patrick was both a logger and a rancher, finding deep satisfaction in working the forest and the land. He loved the smell of fresh-cut timber, the creak of saddle leather at dawn, and the feeling of purpose that came from an honest day’s labor. Living in Mesa, he pursued his lifelong ambition, to build something lasting with his own hands. He started a post company and a family ranch, combining his skill as a woodsman and his deep respect for the land. Through determination and long hours of work, he turned that ambition into a reality, creating not only a livelihood but a foundation for generations to come.

A man of profound Catholic faith, Patrick’s beliefs guided him every day of his life. He was a gifted storyteller whose quick wit, humor, and memory for detail could fill a room with laughter and light. His stories, part truth, part legend, and all heart, reflected the spirit of a man who truly lived his faith and his values.

Patrick is survived by his beloved wife, Martha, and their children: Patrick Ball, Jr., Bryan Ball (Cathy), Lee Ball, Emma Ball, William Ball, Bernie Ball (Rita), Mike Ball (Farrah), Shawn Ball (Chinelle), Kathy Berggren (Steve), Francine Colwell, Anne Hite (Frank), Irene Fewkes (David), and Marian Elsberry (Brent). He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who will continue to honor his legacy of love, faith, and perseverance.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patsy Ball, and several beloved siblings.

When asked how he was doing, Patrick would often smile and say, “Pretty and good, and it’s hard to get better than that.” It’s a sentiment his family will carry on in his memory, a simple truth that captures the gratitude, joy, and grace with which he lived his life. 

Family and friends are invited to pray the Rosary in Patrick’s honor at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 250 S. 1st Street, Cambridge, ID. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church at 214 E. Liberty St., Weiser, Idaho on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Weiser, ID. All are invited to a luncheon at St. Agnes Catholic church hall. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to National Right to Life in Patrick’s honor.

Arrangements under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home.